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The newly approved overall budget is less than last year, partly because of job cuts.

After months of debate, over how to responsibly cut costs and continue providing essential services to the community, effective Jan. 1, the average homeowner with a $150,000 home will pay roughly $40 more in highway taxes a year.

To reduce spending, the town will also eliminate two union jobs, including a cleaning position and a building and grounds position.

The town currently employs approximately 70 people and about half of them are union members.

Meantime, all non-union workers will not get a pay increase in 2014.

“Employees have worked well with us. They acknowledge that it is a tough year and we want to get our financial house in order, which will be better for them going forward. Our employees have had raises other years and we have been able to stay under the cap. That just isn't going to happen this year,” said Town Supervisor Bernie Bassett.

The Town Board and town attorneys will also take cuts in their salaries.

Bassett also said he's optimistic about the future and that the lifted tax cap will enable the town to have reserve money in place and stay under the cap going forward.